End insulator for a power distribution system

ABSTRACT

An end insulator for a power distribution system of the type providing an essentially continuous convenience outlet enabling electrical plugs to be connected thereto at substantially any selected location therealong. The system includes one or more elongated track assemblies that provide such convenience outlet, and each such track assembly comprises a rigid metal track or channel component equipped along its length with a conductor assembly having a plurality of spaced-apart electric conductors supported by an open-ended insulating carrier that electrically isolates the conductors one from another and from the metal track. The end insulator is connectable with a track assembly at an end thereof so as to overlie the otherwise exposed ends of the conductors thereof, and the end insulator may take the form either of a dead end closure having a transverse wall generally corresponding in external dimensions and in cross-sectional area to the associated end of the track assembly so as to substantially cover the same, or of an end connector similar to the dead end closure but having a large opening through its transverse wall to permit insertion therethrough of a portion of a splice box used to join successive track assemblies or of a live end closure used to attach a junction box thereto and within which the conductors of the distribution system are connected with power supply lines. In addition to its transverse wall, each end insulator has a flange extending longitudinally therefrom for telescopic engagement with the track assembly intermediate the rigid metal track and conductor assembly carried thereby.

[ Mar.

finite States atent Routh et al.

[ ABSTRACT An end insulator for a providing an essenti DISTRIBUTIONSYSTEM [54] END INSULATOR FOR A POWER power distribution system of thetype ally continuous convenience outlet [72] Inventors: Larry L. Routh,Castro Valley; James Contratto, Livermore, both of Calif. enablingelectrical plugs to be connected thereto at substantially any selectedlocation therealong. The system includes U.S. Industries, Inc., NewYork, NY. one or more elongated June 1, 1970 venience outlet 42,197

[73] Assignee:

track assemblies that provide such c'onand each such track assemblycomprises a 22 Filed:

rigid metal track or channel component equipped along its or assemblyhaving a plurality of spaced- Appl. No.:

length with a conduct apart electric conductors supported by anopen-ended insulattrically isolates the conductors one from the metaltrack. The end insulator is con- ...339/21 R, 339/24 ing carrier thatelec another and from Int. Cl......

me e am .1 wh hm e mh t ee nH fin n 1 2 m3 2 "2 2 Field of semi;.........fIfIfffIf55/ii ck assembly at an end thereof so as tooverxposed ends of the conductors thereof, and d do the end insulatormay take the form either of a dead en References Cited sure having atransverse wall generally corresponding in external dimensions and incross-sectional area to the associated UNITED STATES PATENTS M i; [U S Sr0 8 md mm CMMMM cwb e amm wd Ue ln Dre .me Sm V b mffi o a E f r...Iota .1 a m mw wmmak m dm l g mmmms nu emeom w wma km m Cewi mnhmw sla .l0S o tr..mrC OVCC m ,a mhm d sltn n ii e%bm.N 22 9 27 5 all/ll 294 4 /379 191 3 "3 3 u 233 6/1954 McFarlin......................

810 10/1962 Boyd.....

839 9/1965 Voly 5 l8 2/1970 Neumann et al..

584 6/1963 Liberman et to attach a junction box thereto and within whichthe conductors of the distribution system are connected with power 0 itstransverse wall, each end insulasupply lines. In addition t tor has aflange extendi Primary ExaminerMarvin A. Champion AssistantExaminerRobert A. Hafe Attomey.loseph B. Gardner ng longitudinallytherefrom for telescopic engagement with the track assembly intermediatethe rigid metal track and conductor assembly carried thereby.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures lA/ l/E N TOAS LARRY L. ROUTH JAMES CON y ATTOR/VE Y PATENTfBMAR 14 m2 END INSULATOR FOR A POWER DISTRIBUTIONSYSTEM This invention relates to a power distribution system and, moreparticularly, to an end insulator for a power distribution system havingone or more track assemblies comprising a rigid metal track equippedalong its length with a conductor assembly providing a plurality ofspaced apart electric conductors supported by an open-ended insulatingcarrier. The end insulator is engageable with such assembly at an endthereof to overlie the otherwise exposed ends of the conductors thereofso as to electrically insulate the same.

As explained in the copending patent application of Larry L. Routhentitled POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, Ser. No. 695,655, filed Jan. 4,1968, now US. Pat. No. 3,529,274 an electric power distribution systemhaving fixed points of connection thereto is often unsatisfactoryespecially in commercial and industrial buildings since the use of anyparticular space therein is not necessarily static and any change in usemay require relocation of the various outlets and other points ofconnection which essentially requires rewiring if such points ofconnection are not movable. In view of this, power distribution systemshave been proposed heretofore which are intended to afford a degree offlexibility as respects the location of any lights and otherelectrically operated fixtures or devices that may be connected thereto.Such systems usually include one or more track assemblies having asubstantially continuous open-mouthed chamber therealong defining aconvenience outlet enabling electric plugs or adaptors to be connectedthereto at substantially any selected location therealong.

A difficulty with most of these prior power distribution systemsaffording such flexibility is that interconnection of thereceptacle-equipped track assemblies thereof (or connection of an end ofone component with power supply lines) is effected by splice boxes orother end closures requiring special connector arrangements at the endsof the track assemblies. As a consequence, it is very difficult tointerconnect successive track components unless they are of standardlength and equipped with such special connector arrangements at the endsthereof at the time of their manufacture. Clearly, this requirementimposes limitation on the use of the systems since in most instances inwhich standard lengths cannot be employed, it is usually necessary tohave special or custom lengths made to order. In view of this, animproved power distribution system of the type affording substantiallyinfinite selection of the location along the length thereof at whichlight and other electrically operated devices can be connected theretohas been developed, and a specific instance thereof is disclosed in thecopending patent application of Larry L. Routh and James Contrattoentitled END CONNECTOR FOR A POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, Ser. No. 19,660,filed Mar. 16, 1970.

In such improved system the track assemblies, which each comprise arigid metal track or channel component and a conductor assemblyextending therealong and including a plurality of conductors supportedby an insulating carrier, can be cut at the site of their installationto any requisite length and used with standard connectors. Cutting thetrack assembly to length includes cutting the rigid metal track orchannel component thereof together with the insulating carrier of theconductor assembly and the conductors themselves, thereby causing theconductors to have exposed terminal ends adjacent the end of each trackassembly. In certain instances, this condition is believed undesirableand in many cases electrical building codes require that the exposedends of the conductors be insulated in some manner.

In view of the foregoing, an object, among others, of the presentinvention is to provide an end insulator cooperative with such trackassemblies at the ends thereof so as to insulate the terminal ends ofthe conductors forming a part thereof. Another object of the inventionis that of providing an end insulator having a transverse wall generallycorresponding in external dimensions and in cross-sectional area to theassociated end of a track assembly so as to overlie the ends of theconductors carried thereby and cover the same with a good dielectricmaterial.

Still another object is in the provision of an end insulator of thecharacter described having a transverse wall and a longitudinallyextending flange projecting therefrom which is telescopically engageablewith a track assembly so as to support the end insulator in positionthereon. A further object is to provide an end insulator of the type setforth in which the flange thereof is telescopically insertable betweenthe rigid metal track and the insulating carrier of such assembly sothat the flange further serves to augment the electrical isolation ofsuch conductors from the rigid metal track.

Yet a further object is that of providing an end insulator either in theform of a dead end closure engageable with a track assembly at aterminal end thereof so as to close the same, or of an end connectorhaving a large opening through the transverse wall thereof to permitinsertion therethrough of a portion of a splice box used to joinsuccessive track assemblies or of a live end closure used to attach ajunction box within which the conductors of the distribution systems areconnected with power supply lines. Additional objects and advantages ofthe invention, specially as concerns particular features andcharacteristics thereof, will become apparent as the specificationcontinues.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a broken perspective view of a power distribution systemembodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end closure used to terminate the endof a power distribution system by closing the same;

FIG. 3 is a broken perspective view illustrating the end closure shownin FIG. 2 in position to close the end of the distribution systemdepicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 4 4 of FIG.3; and

FIG. 5 is a broken perspective view showing a modified form of endclosure of a type permitting insertion of an end connector into thetrack component of a power distribution system, a typical end connectorbeing indicated by broken lines.

The power distribution system partially illustrated in FIG. I mayinclude a plurality of interconnected track assemblies 10, only one ofwhich is shown, and they are each receptacleequipped assemblies adaptedto have one or more plugs or adaptors (not shown) connected therewith atvarious locations therealong. EAch such adaptor is usually associatedwith an electric fixture (not shown). The track assemblies may be usedwith end connectors that take the form either of a splice box or couplerused to interconnect successive track components or of a live endclosure 11 by means of which the electric conductors forming a part of asuccession of interconnected track assemblies are connected with powerlines. Since such end connectors are not pertinent to the presentinvention the end closure 11 is illustrated in phantom lines only withits casing extension 13 projecting partially into a track assembly 10,but details concerning such end connectors may be found in our copendingpatent application Ser. No. l9,660, filed Mar. 16, 1970 and entitled ENDCONNECTOR FOR A POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

It may be observed that the entire power distribution system ispolarized so that all of the elements thereof have a predeterminedorientation, thereby resulting in particular polarities to be observedthroughout the entire system. Although the polarization means employedis not pertinent to the present invention, it is convenient to note thatapart from such polarization means the track assembly 10 is generallysymmetrical about a vertical center line therethrough, as is best seenin FIG. 4; and in view of such general symmetry, the same numerals areemployed to identify the oppositely positioned counterpart elementsexcept that the suffixes a and b" are added for purposes ofdifferentiation therebetween.

Accordingly, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the trackassembly is seen to include a rigid track or channel component having apair of longitudinally extending and transversely spaced sidewalls 12aand 12b formed integrally with a longitudinally extending web 14 that istransversely disposed and projects between the side walls intermediatethe tops and bottoms thereof. Adjacent their upper ends, the side walls12 are turned inwardly to define flanges 15a and 15b that are used insecuring the track assembly 10 to a ceiling or support means, not shown.The track assemblies 10 are intended to be joined in succession withother like track assemblies in a predetermined orientation so thatcircuit continuities are ob served and maintained throughout the entiredistribution system.

The track or channel component is provided with a chamber or receptacle16 in underlying relation with the web 14, and such receptacle orchamber defines a longitudinally extending convenience outlet adapted toreceive one or more adaptors therein. The chambers 16 adjacent its upperend in underlying relation with web 14 is provided with a conductorassembly denoted in general with the numeral 17. The conductor assembly17 includes an elongated insulator or open ended insulating carrier 18having a web 20 of substantially the same general configuration as thatof the track web 14 so as to be able to closely underlie the same, asillustrated in FIG. 4. Therefore, the web 20 is also provided withdownwardly and outwardly inclined segments 21a and 2117 respectivelycorresponding to the downwardly and outwardly inclined segments 22a and22b of the track web 14.

The insulating carrier 18 is provided adjacent the lower outer ends ofthe inclined sections 21a and 21b thereof with longitudinally extendingchannelor slot-forming sockets 24a and 24b respectively havingconductors 25 and 26 mounted therein. Adjacent the upper end of theinclined section 21a at its mergence with the horizontal web section 20another longitudinally extending channelor slot-forming socket 27 isprovided and it has a conductor 28 mounted therein. Each of theconductor-equipped slots 24 and 27 is provided with a restricted mouthconfining the associated conductor therein and adapted to passtherethrough one of the contacts of an adaptor or of an end connectorsuch as the live end closure 11 shown in FIG. 5. The conductors 25, 26and 28 may be conventional copper wires (12 gage, for example), and theyare effectively constrained against longitudinal displacements withrespect to the open-ended insulating carrier 18 by the frictional gripof the respective sockets in which they are confined.

The carrier 18 is sufficiently rigid to be substantially selfsustainingand maintain the conductors in the spaced apart relationship shown andto confine the same within the slots or channels therefor. The carrier18 is also equipped with depending legs 30a and 30b respectivelyextending downwardly from the channel members 24a and 24b, and such legsare substantially parallel to the sidewalls 12a and 12b of the track 10.Each leg 30 together with the associated slot portion or socket 24 has avertical dimension slightly less than the distance between thehorizontally oriented shoulders 31a and 3112 respectively connecting theinclined sections 22a and 22b of the track web 14 with the sidewalls 12aand 12b and the respectively underlying inwardly turned flanges 332a and32b that extend inwardly from the side walls 12a and 12b and aresubstantially parallel to the respectively facing shoulders 31a and 31b.

The legs 30 generally maintain the conductor assembly 17 in theapproximate position or orientation shown but in the absence of anadaptor or of an end connector cooperatively engaging the track assembly10, the connector assembly is free to move downwardly relative to thetrack until the lower extreminities of the legs 30 abut the inwardlyturned flanges 32. Thus, the relative positions of the track componentand conductor assemblies shown in FIG. 4 are those enforced by thepresence of such an adaptor or end connector. Such relative dimensionsof the legs 30 and spacing between the shoulders 31 and flanges 32enable the conductor assembly 17 to fit rather loosely within thechamber 16 so that it is freely movable with respect thereto inlongitudinal directions, thereby facilitating incorporation of theconductor assembly 17 within the rigid track or channel.

The conductor assembly 17 provides a plurality of circuits or pairs ofconductors defining the same, and in the particular distribution systembeing considered there are two such circuits and, therefore, two pairsof conductors therefor. In more particular terms, the conductor 26 iscommon to each of the two circuits and conductor pairs and may beconsidered the neutral conductor. The conductors 25 and 28 areselectively associated with the neutral conductor 26, and the adaptorsused in the system are characterized by being selectively connected toone or the other of such circuits, as explained in our copending patentapplication entitled ADAPTOR FOR A POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM," Ser. No.808,335, filed Nov. 26, 1969. In the usual distribution system thepotential defined between the neutral conductor 26 and either of theconductors 25 and 28 is of the order of volts AC and the potentialacross the conductors 25 and 2B (which potential is not ordinarily used)is of the order of 220 volts AC.

As stated hereinbefore, for the purpose of enabling thereceptacle-equipped track assemblies to be readily accommodated by roomsand installations irrespective of the dimensional restrictions thereof,it is practicably necessary for such track components to be cut tolength at the site of their installation thereby requiring splice boxesand connector arrangements having no special structural characteristicsassociated with the track components which might be lost or destroyedupon cutting the same to custom or special lengths. The end connectors,such as the splice box 11, used in the system are so connectable withthe receptacle-equipped track assemblies 10 irrespective of their beingcut to any particular length. It will be appreciated that not only mustthe rigid track components be cut to appropriate length but theconductor assemblies 17 respectively carried thereby must also be cut tocorresponding lengths. Accordingly, the conductors 25, 26 and 28 mustterminate adjacent the open ends of the insulating carrier 18 supportingthe same, and in the ordinary cases the track component 10, insulatingcarrier 18, and conductors all terminate in substantial alignment, asindicated best in FIGS. 1 and 3.

As a consequence, the ends of the conductors 25, 26 and 28 are exposed,as shown in FIG. 1, at the end of any track assembly 10 which in someenvironments might be considered hazardous. In order to obviate suchoccurance, an insulator may be used to cover or protect the otherwiseexposed ends of the conductors 25, 26 and 28. Such an end insulator willtake the form of a dead end closure 34 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, orof an end connector 35 as shown in FIG. 5 which is able to pass theextension 13 of a live end closure 11 (or splice box) therethrough sothat the terminals thereof can be engaged with the conductors 25, 26 and28 of the track assembly 10. There is very little structural differencebetween the end insulators 34 and 35, but for convenience they will beconsidered separately herein.

Taking first the end insulator in the form of the dead end closure 34illustrated best in FIG. 2, it is seen to be provided with a transversewall 36 dimensioned to substantially abut an end of the rigid trackcomponent, as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the transverse wall 36generally corresponds in external dimensions and in area to thedimensions and cross-sectional area of an end of the track assembly 10so as to substantially cover the same and define an end closuretherefor. The transverse wall 36 is generally planar and is ordinarilyquite stiff or rigid and may be formed from any one of the wellknownsynthetic plastics having good dielectric properties such as apolycarbonate. Since the voltages employed in the usual powerdistribution system of the type being considered are quite low, thetransverse wall 36 may be relatively thin and, for example, may have athickness or a few thousandths of an inch.

Formed integrally with the transverse wall 36 is a flange 37 projectinglongitudinally therefrom for telescopic engagement with the trackcomponent so as to relate the end insulator 34 thereto and enable thesame to insulate the ends of the conductors 25, 26 and 28 adjacent andend of the track component and open-ended carrier 18 supported thereby.The flange 37 may have the same thickness as that of the transverse wall36 but is often somewhat thinner and, as stated, it may be formedintegrally with the transverse wall in which case it will constitute thesame dielectric material.

The flange 37 telescopically engages the track assembly 10 and, moreparticularly, has an inverted somewhat U-shaped configurationsubstantially corresponding to the inverted generally U-shapedconfiguration of the track or channel component so as to be insertedthereinto, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In more specific terms, theflanges 37 is inserted between the rigid channel or track and theinsulating carrier 18 of the conductor assembly. In this respect, and asexplained hereinbefore, the conductor assembly 17 fits rather looselywithin the track component because of the dimensional differencesbetween the depending legs 30 of the conductor assembly and walls 12 ofthe track intermediate the facing and spaced apart elements 31 and 32thereof. Thus, because of the looseness of the fit between the track andconductor assembly 17 and because of the thinness of the flange 37, theflange is readily inserted into the space accommodating the sameintermediate the various sections of the track web 14 and legs 12 andthe respectively corresponding sections of the web and legs of theinsulating carrier 18.

In certain instances it may be desirable to configurate the flange 37,as shown in FIG. 2, so as to facilitate insertion thereof intermediatethe rigid track or channel and the conductor assembly 17 so that theentire extent of the flange edge does not confront these elements at thesame time. In the form shown in FIG. 2, the flange 37 has a symmetricalconfiguration about a vertical center therethrough, and along one sidethe flange is provided with two forwardly extending points orprojections 38a and 39a respectively located at the outer longitudinaledge of the flange web 40 and at the upper extremity of the flange leg410. Similarly, the flange 37 along the opposite side thereof isprovided with prongs or projections 38b and 39b respectively locatedalong the opposite longitudinal edge of the web 40 and along the upperextremity of the leg 41b. The projections 38 and 39 are evidentlydefined by notches formed by removing or eliminating portions of theaxially extending flange 37. Thus, at least in part the projections 38aand 28 b are established by a generally V-shaped notch or recess 42 inthe web 40.

The end connector may be structurally the same as the dead end closure34 except that it has an opening 44 in the transverse wall 45 thereofsufficiently large to freely pass the casing projection 13 of the liveend closure 11 therethrough. The opening 44 has the aforementionedinverted somewhat U- shaped configuration conforming essentially to theshape of the longitudinally extending wall members of the track orchannel generally bordering the convenience outlet 16 thereof, as shownin FIG. 5. The edge portion of the transverse wall 45 bordering theopening 44 therein is sufiiciently wide to overlie the openendedinsulating carrier 18 and, more particularly, the ends of the conductors25, 26 and 28 supported thereby so that the ends of these conductorswill not be exposed, as is made evident in FIG. 5.

The end connector 35 is provided with a longitudinally extending flange(not shown since concealed in FIG. 5 by the transverse wall 45) that maybe identical to the flange 37 associated with the dead end closure 34heretofore described. The flange of the end connector 35 functions inthe same manner as the flange 37 and is, therefore, telescopicallyengageable with the track assembly 10 and, in more particular terms, isinserted between the track or channel component and conductor assembly17 in the same manner as the flanges 37 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.The end connector 35 may be formed of the same material used for thedead end closure 34,

and it may have the same general dimensions and be substantiallyidentical therewith except for the opening 44 through the transversewall 35. Accordingly, the longitudinal space occupied by the transversewall 45 is very restricted and interfers in no way with the ordinary useof live end connectors irrespective of whether they are splice boxes(not shown) or live end closures 11 as shown in FIG. 5.

It will be evident that the dead end closure 34 and end connector 35 aresimilar in both structure and function, the first being used to closethe terminal end of a track assembly that is not otherwise to beequipped with a live end closure 11 by means of which such trackassembly is connnected to power supply lines or to another trackassembly, and the second being used in association either with a splicebox or with a live end closure ll so as to provide a high dielectricmaterial intermediate the ends of the conductors 25, 26 and 28 and thefacing surface adjacent thereto of such a splice box or live endclosure.

While in the foregoing specification embodiments of the invention havebeen set forth in considerable detail for purposes of making a completedisclosure thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatnumerous changes may be made in such details without departing from thespirit and principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a power distribution system, the combination of: an elongatedopen-ended track component defining a substantially continuousconvenience outlet therealong and comprising an elongated channel havinga plurality of longitudinally extending wall members generally borderingsaid outlet, and further comprising an elongated conductor assemblysubstantially coextensive in length with said channel and beingsupported thereby, said conductor assembly including an openendedinsulating carrier extending along said wall members and a plurality ofconductors supported by said carrier in spaced apart relationelectrically isolated one from another and terminating adjacent the openends of said carrier; and an end insulator having both a transverse walldimensioned to substantially abut an end of said track component and aflange projecting longitudinally from said transverse wall fortelescopic engagement with said track component to relate said endinsulator thereto and enable the same to insulate the ends of saidconductors adjacent such end of said track component, the flange of saidend insulator being relatively thin and generally corresponding to theconfiguration of said channel for telescopic insertion thereintointermediate said channel and conductor assembly.

2. The power distribution system of claim I in which the longitudinallyextending walls of said channel bordering said convenience outlet havean inverted somewhat generally U- shaped configuration, the transversewall of said end insulator being generally planar and said flangethereof being normally disposed with respect thereto.

3. The power distribution system of claim 2 in which the transverse wallof said end insulator generally corresponds in external dimensions andin cross-sectional area to the ends of said track component so as tosubstantially cover an associated end thereof and define an end closuretherefor.

4. The power distribution system of claim 2 in which the transverse wallof said end insulator generally corresponds in external dimensions tothe ends of said track component and is open throughout its centerportion to permit insertion therethrough of a splice box or other endconnector into said track component.

5. In a power distribution system, the combination of: an elongatedtrack component open at an end thereof and defining a convenience outlettherealong and comprising an elongated channel having a plurality oflongitudinally extending wall members generally bordering said outlet,and further comprising an elongated conductor assembly supported by saidchannel and terminating at one end adjacent the open end thereof, saidconductor assembly including an insulating carrier open at saidterminating end thereof and extending along said wall members andfurther including a plurality of conductors supported by said carrier inspaced apart relation electrically isolated one from another andterminating at one of their ends adjacent the open end of said carrier;and an end insulator having both a transverse wall adjacent the open endof said track component in generally closing relation therewith and aflange projecting longitudinally from said transverse wall fortelescopic engagement with said track component to relate said endinsulator thereto and enable the same to insulate the ends of saidconductors adjacent such open end of said track component, the flange ofsaid end insulator being relatively thin and generally corresponding tothe configuration of said channel for telescopic insertion thereintointermediate said channel and conductor assembly.

6. The power distribution system of claim in which the transverse wallof said end insulator generally corresponds in external dimensions andin cross-sectional area to the open end of said track component so as tosubstantially cover the same.

7. The power distribution system of claim 5 in which the transverse wallof said end insulator generally corresponds in external dimensions tothe open end of said track component and is open throughout its centerportion to permit insertion therethrough of a splice box or other endconnector into said track component.

8. The power distribution system of claim 5 in which the flange of saidinsulator is provided with at least one longitudinally extendingprojection at the outer end thereof to facilitate insertion of saidflange intermediate said channel and conductor assembly.

9. An end insulator for a power distribution system or the like havingan open-ended track component defined by the combination of an elongatedchannel and a conductor assembly supported therein the latter of whichincludes an insulating carrier equipped with a plurality of conductorsextending therealong, comprising: a transverse wall positionableadjacent the open end of such track component in generally closingrelation therewith; and a flange projecting longitudinally from saidtransverse wall for telescopic engagement with the track component tosupportingly relate said end insulator thereto with said transverse wallin such closing relation therewith, said flange being relatively thinfor telescopic insertion into said track component intermediate saidchannel and conductor assembly.

10. The power distribution system of claim 9 in which the flange of saidinsulator is provided with at least one longitudinally extendingprojection at the outer end thereof to facilitate insertion of saidflange intermediate such channel and conductor assembly.

1. In a power distribution system, the combination of: an elongatedopen-ended track component defining a substantially continuousconvenience outlet therealong and comprising an elongated channel havinga plurality of longitudinally extending wall members generally borderingsaid outlet, and further comprising an elongated conductor assemblysubstantially coextensive in length with said channel and beingsupported thereby, said conductor assembly including an open-endedinsulating carrier extending along said wall members and a plurality ofconductors supported by said carrier in spaced apart relationelectrically isolated one from another and terminating adjacent the openends of said carrier; and an end insulator having both a transverse walldimensioned to substantially abut an end of said track component and aflange projecting longitudinally from said transverse wall fortelescopic engagement with said track component to relate said endinsulator thereto and enable the same to insulate the ends of saidconductors adjacent such end of said track component, the flange of saidend insulator being relatively thin and generally corresponding to theconfiguration of said channel for telescopic insertion thereintointermediate said channel and conductor assembly.
 2. The powerdistribution system of claim 1 in which the longitudinally extendingwalls of said channel bordering said convenience outlet have an invertedsomewhat generally U-shaped configuration, the transverse wall of saidend insulator being generally planar and said flange thereof beingnormally disposed with respect thereto.
 3. The power distribution systemof claim 2 in which the transverse wall of said end insulator generallycorresponds in external dimensions and in cross-sectional area to theends of said track component so as to substantially cover an associatedend thereof and define an end closure therefor.
 4. The powerdistribution system of claim 2 in which the transverse wall of said endinsulator generally corresponds in external dimensions to the ends ofsaid track component and is open throughout its center portion to permitinsertion therethrough of a splice box or other end connector into saidtrack component.
 5. In a power distribution system, the combination of:an elongated track component open at an end thereof and defining aconvenience outlet therealong and comprising an elongated channel havinga plurality of longitudinally extending wall members generally borderingsaid outlet, and further comprising an elongated conductor assemblysupported by said channel and terminating at one end adjacent the openend thereof, said conductor assembly including an insulating carrieropen at said terminating end thereof and extending along said wallmembers and further including a plurality of conductors supported bysaid carrier in spaced apart relation electrically isolated one fromanother and terminating at one of their ends adjacent the open end ofsaid carrier; and an end insulator having both a traNsverse walladjacent the open end of said track component in generally closingrelation therewith and a flange projecting longitudinally from saidtransverse wall for telescopic engagement with said track component torelate said end insulator thereto and enable the same to insulate theends of said conductors adjacent such open end of said track component,the flange of said end insulator being relatively thin and generallycorresponding to the configuration of said channel for telescopicinsertion thereinto intermediate said channel and conductor assembly. 6.The power distribution system of claim 5 in which the transverse wall ofsaid end insulator generally corresponds in external dimensions and incross-sectional area to the open end of said track component so as tosubstantially cover the same.
 7. The power distribution system of claim5 in which the transverse wall of said end insulator generallycorresponds in external dimensions to the open end of said trackcomponent and is open throughout its center portion to permit insertiontherethrough of a splice box or other end connector into said trackcomponent.
 8. The power distribution system of claim 5 in which theflange of said insulator is provided with at least one longitudinallyextending projection at the outer end thereof to facilitate insertion ofsaid flange intermediate said channel and conductor assembly.
 9. An endinsulator for a power distribution system or the like having anopen-ended track component defined by the combination of an elongatedchannel and a conductor assembly supported therein the latter of whichincludes an insulating carrier equipped with a plurality of conductorsextending therealong, comprising: a transverse wall positionableadjacent the open end of such track component in generally closingrelation therewith; and a flange projecting longitudinally from saidtransverse wall for telescopic engagement with the track component tosupportingly relate said end insulator thereto with said transverse wallin such closing relation therewith, said flange being relatively thinfor telescopic insertion into said track component intermediate saidchannel and conductor assembly.
 10. The power distribution system ofclaim 9 in which the flange of said insulator is provided with at leastone longitudinally extending projection at the outer end thereof tofacilitate insertion of said flange intermediate such channel andconductor assembly.